I figured I'd get the ball rolling. I ski mostly behind a mid 2000's Nautique 196 at the club close to home, and my cottage tow boat is my 1984 Rider. My initial comparison of the two boats from a skiing perspective is the wakes on my Rider are a bit smaller (at 15 off) but the feel harder. I'd be curious to hear other comparisons. I'd love to ski behind a comp sometime to compare as well.

I chose the Rider because it was an open bow, and I knew we'd be taking a boat full of people out occasionally I had 5 adults in my Rider while I was skiing this summer and as a skier, it felt the same as when my wife alone is in the boat. She said there was definitely a bit less jump out of the water with it weighed down like that.

So far only one season on the boat and it has done exactly what I bought it for very well, not bad for a 30 year old boat.